Measurement of the QM criterion (maximum permissible quantity of residual substance in the material or object)

The QM (maximum permissible quantity) test is an essential regulatory analysis for verifying the compliance of materials and articles intended to come into contact with food. The QM criterion corresponds to the maximum permissible quantity of a residual substance present in a material or article, as defined by the regulations applicable to food contact materials.

This analysis is part of a process to manage health risks and ensure regulatory compliance for manufacturers in the packaging, materials, and polymer sectors. It demonstrates that the substances used during manufacturing do not exceed the established regulatory limits, either independently or in conjunction with migration tests.

Principle of the QM criterion

Unlike specific migration tests, which measure the amount of substance transferred to a food simulant, the QM criterion is based on the direct quantification of the residual substance in the finished material or object .

The QM criterion is defined for certain substances in regulations concerning materials in contact with food, particularly plastics. It constitutes an alternative or complementary requirement to specific migration limits, where legislation stipulates a maximum permitted quantity within the material itself.

The analysis consists of extracting or releasing the targeted substance from the material, and then quantifying it using appropriate chromatographic techniques.

Analytical methods used

The QM criterion is determined using high-performance chromatographic methods, chosen according to the chemical nature of the substance sought and the matrix analyzed.

Commonly used techniques include gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS or LC-MS/MS).

Sample preparation may include specific extraction or simulated migration to allow for reliable and representative quantification of the actual residual substance content. The method is chosen beforehand to meet regulatory requirements and quantification thresholds.

Measured parameters

The analysis determines the quantity of residual substance present in the material or object, expressed according to the applicable regulatory units. The results are compared to the QM values ​​defined by current legislation.

This quantification makes it possible to determine the conformity of the material, to identify any excesses and to document the technical and regulatory files.

Matrices involved

The QM criterion dosage applies to a wide range of materials and objects intended for food contact, including plastics, polymers, films, coatings, rigid or flexible packaging, as well as certain composite materials.

Each type of material undergoes a specific analytical preparation to ensure efficient extraction of the targeted substance and accurate quantification.

Industrial applications

This analysis is essential for packaging and materials manufacturers wishing to demonstrate the compliance of their products with regulatory requirements. It is particularly relevant when launching new materials, modifying formulations, changing suppliers, or as part of quality and regulatory audits.

The QM criterion dosage is also used to secure conformity declaration files, meet the requirements of control authorities and anticipate the risks of non-compliance.

Regulatory issues and compliance

The QM criterion is defined by regulations applicable to materials in contact with food, particularly plastics. Compliance with it is a regulatory requirement for certain substances, regardless of migration tests.

A reliable analysis of the QM criterion makes it possible to demonstrate the regulatory compliance of materials, to limit health risks and to secure the marketing of products on European and international markets.

YesWeLab Expertise

YesWeLab relies on a rigorously selected network of partner laboratories, most of which are certified and/or accredited according to recognized standards such as ISO 17025 and COFRAC. Each request is analyzed by our scientific team to direct samples to the analytical method best suited to the targeted substance, the material being analyzed, and the applicable regulatory requirements.

Thanks to its digital platform, YesWeLab enables centralized analysis management, optimized sample tracking, and fast, secure access to results. Since 2020, numerous manufacturers, distributors, and engineering firms have relied on YesWeLab for their regulatory, physicochemical, and materials compliance analyses.

Other analyses from the YesWeLab catalogue

The QM criterion assay can be supplemented by other analyses from the YesWeLab catalogue in order to cover all regulatory requirements applicable to materials and objects in contact with food.

Global and specific migration tests allow for the evaluation of the transfer of substances from the material to food simulants, in addition to the verification of the QM criterion.

NIAS (non-intentionally added substances) analysis makes it possible to identify and quantify compounds not intentionally added, which may be present in polymer materials.

The dosage of monomers, additives and plasticizers contributes to the control of formulations and to the verification of compliance with regulatory limits applicable to substances used in plastic materials.

GC -MS, HPLC and LC-MS analyses are also offered for in-depth chemical characterization of materials and management of compliance issues.

Finally, regulatory compliance analyses of materials in contact with food make it possible to integrate the QM criterion into a global approach to validation and securing of materials.

For any quote request or to discuss your specific needs in QM criterion dosage, contact the YesWeLab team now.